This is the forum for discussion of all cricketing issues and news. Here you will find frank analysis and opinion on subjects ranging from selection policies, favourite cricketers and match post-mortems right through to dressing room and cricket board fiascos.

baggygreenmania wrote:In case you missed this paddles.Jhye Richardson.. (no relation to Kane) announced himself in the U19s against England several years back. He is one of the growing products from the DK Lillee pace bowling academy in Perth. Was timed as faster than James Pattinson during his time there. What I like about him is his ability to adapt to all conditions. I expect him to one day play in all formats. A big prospect and one that should keep our big 3 Hazey, Starc and Cummins on their toes.

But is he really at National Contract level already? I dare say he is a fortunate recipient in no small part due to Smith, Warner and Bancroft being excluded.

Stoinis after his brilliant tour of NZ the summer before last wasn't deemed worthy of a Cricket Australia contract yet then despite the fact that he played one of the most incredible innings I have seen in a long time and then played very well int he next game too. Albeit both were in vain. But he has shown enough at international level since to prove these efforts were no flukes, and that there will likely be more impressive showings in the future.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Katto wrote:the quality of Australian international performances are measured against South Africa, India and England (away only), and maybe Pakistan away too.

Well of course, how else would you explain the quality of Australian international performances in losing 4 out of the last 5 Chappel Hadlee ODI series hosted by NZ?

We get it, Australia doesn't rate nor respect NZ cricket. It is a broken record. NZ realised this when Cricket Australia refused to play tests against NZC for a great part of the 20th century (till the 1970's).

And we don't mind it that way all that much right now, because as I type, NZC is currently ranked higher in both tests and ODI than Australia. Keep up the good work on measurements.

And if you're scratching your head as to how NZC got ahead of CA in tests, it is because NZC didn't lose away to Pakistan or England when last there, this despite the rain robbing NZ of levelling the lost series at home to South Africa. The ODI ranking should be fairly self evident despite NZ losing to India away in two series, two years running who are long overdue for a reciprocal tour.

But I get it. NZC are not worthy oppenents for the Australian Cricket team members to measure performances against. Boult, Santner and Sodhi with support from Southee, Henry, Milne, who took NZ undefeated at home to the lost final in Australia in the 2015 World Cup or an attack previously led by Bond, Vettori and Oram, or even RJ Hadlee and Chatfield, et al are just not good enough to test an Australian batsman's qualities in a limited overs game even in NZ. Just a bunch of Kiwi pie chuckers.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

raja wrote:Right now, NZ in Australia for a 3-Test series would be interesting.I wouldn't be surprised if NZ win Even a 5-Test series would be fun.NZ needs to play more Test cricket.

see. that’s what i call biased hate. When BCCI play 3 test series instead of 5, people like raja make a lot of noise. Answer me why not CA allow “ashes like” 5 test series? I am sure kiwi were willing to play.

raja wrote:Good to see this.Always good to see Aussie batsmen do well in England.Gives some hope for the next Ashes.

Its not an indication of anything because the ECB prepare completely different kinds of pitches for test matches vs Australia than those prepared for county games. This has been going on since 2005 when the ECB adopted a win at all costs policy at home.

Remember Phil Hughes dominating in county matches and struggling in the subsequent test series.

raja wrote:Good to see this.Always good to see Aussie batsmen do well in England.Gives some hope for the next Ashes.

Its not an indication of anything because the ECB prepare completely different kinds of pitches for test matches vs Australia than those prepared for county games. This has been going on since 2005 when the ECB adopted a win at all costs policy at home.

Remember Phil Hughes dominating in county matches and struggling in the subsequent test series.

Bahahaha. Yeah it has nothing to do with 18 counties with seam attack comprising of nigh 40 year old trundlers bowling seam up off a few paces.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

raja wrote:Good to see this.Always good to see Aussie batsmen do well in England.Gives some hope for the next Ashes.

Its not an indication of anything because the ECB prepare completely different kinds of pitches for test matches vs Australia than those prepared for county games. This has been going on since 2005 when the ECB adopted a win at all costs policy at home.

Remember Phil Hughes dominating in county matches and struggling in the subsequent test series.

Bahahaha. Yeah it has nothing to do with 18 counties with seam attack comprising of nigh 40 year old trundlers bowling seam up off a few paces. And yet even in county cricket, off 5 paces and under 120km/h, Jesse Ryder is a legitimate opening bowling option as there is sufficient assistance and seam movement. Well into his 40s and long since dropped by WI, Chanderpaul is still feasting off county bowlers.

County cricket just like English test cricket is played on a lot of sporting pitches. But has some seriously ordinary bowlers.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Katto wrote:you seem to be struggling with consistency there Paddlesyour 'points' are self contradictory

in political terms this would be known as cognitive dissonance

Bahahhaha. I thought you may think that. No offence.

So let me spell it out for you.

County cricket wickets are often so sporting so much so that trundlers like Jesse Ryder are able to bowl successfully with the new ball. There are conditions that produce a lot of swing and nip. But he is by no means a good bowler at test level. He is regularly under 120 km/h and not Philander like in seam presentation, control and accuracy.

There are 18 counties, meaning that the standard of bowlers in county cricket includes many trundlers. And many 'has beens' getting on in years, and well down on pace.

This enables batsmen to feast and score runs as the bowling quality is low, despite the pitch conditions being friendly for the bowlers. Sanga averaged over 100 last season, Chanderpaul regularly makes runs. These guys have been out of test cricket for some time now. Chanderpaul was dropped in 2015 after a long time failing in test cricket.

The English test team, on the same pitches, is however the best bowlers England has available and a much sterner test for the batsmen in the same sporting conditions that county cricket is played on.

Got it now?

If not, don't bother asking me for further clarity. I won't elucidate it further willingly. Actually for you, I will put in words that you understand.

Due in no small part to being spread over 18 teams, the standard of County bowlers regularly sucks and batsmen accordingly score a lot of runs even in conditions that would be considered helpful for test match bowling.

And cognitive dissonance is not a political term. It is a pyschological term.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

It was a productive day for the Australians in both English County divisions, with both Matt Renshaw and Shaun Marsh scoring debut hundreds –

Redbacks captain Travis Head made 49 for Worcester, while elsewhere in Division One, Joe Mennie claimed 3-52 for Lancashire against Essex, who had top-scorer Peter Siddle's unbeaten 33 to thank for pushing them to a total of 150.

In Division Two, Hilton Cartwright could only contribute 10 for Middlesex, who were in trouble at 3-45 in response to Derbyshire's 265.

At Chester-le-Street, Durham's Nathan Rimmington claimed 3-39 on a bad day for the hosts, who were skittled for 91 with South Africa star Aiden Markram making a pair inside a day against Kent.

Another SA player, seamer Daniel Worral, was a surprise performer with the bat for Gloucester, making 36no as Michael Hogan's 2-23 helped Glamorgan roll the hosts for 236.

raja wrote:Good to see this.Always good to see Aussie batsmen do well in England.Gives some hope for the next Ashes.

Its not an indication of anything because the ECB prepare completely different kinds of pitches for test matches vs Australia than those prepared for county games. This has been going on since 2005 when the ECB adopted a win at all costs policy at home.

Remember Phil Hughes dominating in county matches and struggling in the subsequent test series.

baggygreenmania wrote:http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23246155/paine-promises-cut-australia-sledgingTim Paine will be good for Australian cricket.

He will try and do good for Australian cricket. I hardly think that his meteoric rise from reserve shield keeper to Australian captain within 1 summer is good for Australian cricket.

In fact, I am quite concerned about how the Australian team will perform this home summer. Sri Lanka and India must be licking their chops to get a crack at your boys. With the Admin sending limited overs internationals behind a pay wall, the players threatening a strike last year over pay disputes, and the lengthy over ICC sanctioned bans of the sandpaper cheaters, the admin of Cricket Australia are split from the fans and the players. Any further petrol on these flames, and anything could happen in Australian Cricket.

Now Warne has come out and said that CA is greedy for lengthening the BBL. It seems that it is open season for anyone to take aim at a facet or decision made of Australian cricket right now.

No I am not suggesting the Cricket Australia is set to implode, but not since WSC has Australian Cricket been facing these levels of divisions.

Langer thinks the Aussie coach should be all formats. While he is favourite for test coach, Punter has to be a look in for the T20 side at least given the job he did in forming a very strong t20 side that beat England and NZ last summer. And somewhere in the mix has to be Jason Gillespie for all or some role. The divisions just keep appearing. And given the chances that Australia does not perform well in tests next home summer, Langer may have a short test coaching career as well.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

He will try and do good for Australian cricket. I hardly think that his meteoric rise from reserve shield keeper to Australian captain within 1 summer is good for Australian cricket. Hardly a meteoric rise.. Tim Paine has been playing FC cricket since Dec 2005. Apart from a year ot two out with injury he has been Tassies regular keeper in all formats until last season when Wade returned home. Rather harsh move by Cricket Tasmania to suddenly put him on the outer after giving such good service to his state.Now Warne has come out and said that CA is greedy for lengthening the BBL. It seems that it is open season for anyone to take aim at a facet or decision made of Australian cricket right now. CA is greedy.. further fattening their cash cow. BBL is long enuff as Warnie states. This decision had better not further encroach on Shield cricket. otherwise there will be an outcry.

Last edited by baggygreenmania on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:01 am, edited 1 time in total.

Langer thinks the Aussie coach should be all formats. While he is favourite for test coach, Punter has to be a look in for the T20 side at least given the job he did in forming a very strong t20 side that beat England and NZ last summer. And somewhere in the mix has to be Jason Gillespie for all or some role. The divisions just keep appearing. And given the chances that Australia does not perform well in tests next home summer, Langer may have a short test coaching career as well. Langer is no lock in. He has stated that he does not wish to be spending months on end away from his family. Reckon Dizzy Gillespie is firming. Was wondering if Trevor Bayliss had been approached. Is Tom Moody available? Reckon he would do a good job. He has plenty of international coaching cred on his side.

"Benaud was the glue that held all the innovation and technology together; meticulous with his diction and as cool as a pina colada when things were going awry" Reckon the demise of Richie was the beginning of the end for the Nine /cricket marriage. Gotta say the likes of wooden voiced waffler Ian Chappell.. motor mouth Shane Warne, the droning Tubby Taylor were well past their used by date.. also hearing that Lawry may be resurrected in the new Fox/Seven regime.. please no. Retire to your pigeons Bill. Hoping Mark Nicholas is given a gig while Ricky Ponting and Gilly have been penciled in for Seven as I understand it. Who else would make a good Test commentor?

baggygreenmania wrote:"Benaud was the glue that held all the innovation and technology together; meticulous with his diction and as cool as a pina colada when things were going awry" Reckon the demise of Richie was the beginning of the end for the Nine /cricket marriage. Gotta say the likes of wooden voiced waffler Ian Chappell.. motor mouth Shane Warne, the droning Tubby Taylor were well past their used by date.. also hearing that Lawry may be resurrected in the new Fox/Seven regimes.. please no. Retire to your pigeons Bill. Hoping Mark Nicholas is given a gig while Ricky Ponting and Gilly have been penciled in for Seven as I understand it. Who else would make a good Test commentor?

I'm already tired of Mark Nicholas. I find him rather sycophantic.

Warne may be a motor mouth, but on his day still offers valuable insight in between reminding us that he used to be fat and likes social media.

Taylor is awful. So is Healy. As for Ian Chappel, I don't need to hear about #3 batsmen or Lillee and Thommo in the 74/75 Ashes one more time before I die.

Punter is excellent. Just EXCELLENT. Flemming is good too when he analyses the bowlers, instead of talking about AFL and 80's heavy metal bands - and I like 80's heavy metal.

I understand Gilly's popularity with Australian audiences have been an immensely popular former player, but I think Punter is clearly the best of those 3.

I wouldn't mind if the likes of Alan Border and Stuart Clarke got more airtime, either on 7 or Fox. I'm not a big fan of BJ, I find him a tad parochially patronising and officious. But Australians may like that about him. I'm not a fan of Brad Haddin, but I am sure he will be involved in some capacity.

Who else? Mel Jones. Adds diversity (which seems to be in these days) and displays and conveys a keen cricketing brain and observance of the game outside her work hours to me more than someone like Mel McLaughlin does. I enjoy and value the insights that Mel Jones brings to the commentary.

The biggest issue is whether 7's simulcast of tests has the same commentators as Fox's test broadcast, but Fox will need a team for the limited overs games that only they broadcast outside of 7. The next issue is what Fox does with the BBL games not simulcast, and whether the simulcast BBL games also share commentators.

Last edited by Paddles on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:19 am, edited 1 time in total.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote:"Benaud was the glue that held all the innovation and technology together; meticulous with his diction and as cool as a pina colada when things were going awry" Reckon the demise of Richie was the beginning of the end for the Nine /cricket marriage. Gotta say the likes of wooden voiced waffler Ian Chappell.. motor mouth Shane Warne, the droning Tubby Taylor were well past their used by date.. also hearing that Lawry may be resurrected in the new Fox/Seven regime.. please no. Retire to your pigeons Bill. Hoping Mark Nicholas is given a gig while Ricky Ponting and Gilly have been penciled in for Seven as I understand it. Who else would make a good Test commentor?

I'm already tired of Mark Nicholas. I find him rather sychophantic.

Warne may be a motor mouth, but on his day still offers valuable insight in between reminding us that he used to be fat and likes social media.

Taylor is awful. So is Healy. As for Ian Chappel, I don't need to hear about #3 batsmen or Lillee and Thommo in the 74/75 Ashes one more time before I die.

Punter is excellent. Just EXCELLENT. Flemming is good too when he analyses the bowlers, instead of talking about AFL and 80's heavy metal bands - and I like 80's heavy metal.

I understand Gilly's popularity with Australian audiences having been an immesely popular former player, but I think Punter is clearly the best of those 3.

Who else? Mel Jones. Adds diversity (which seems to be in these days) and displays and conveys a keen cricketing brain and observance of the game outside her work hours to me more than someone like Mel McLaughlin does.

Mel Jones only for women coverage. I kinda like the work of Lisa Stalekhar. More laid back than Jones. Nicholas sychophantic.. dont agree. I simply like his delivery and his wide knowledge of the game thru his captaining and writing of the game. Besides he is already a half Aussie having spent 6 mths a a year here over the past decade. Chappelli says something and then repeats it twice more in the next half hour. Is he going senile. Warnie does provide good insite into the game and his passion comes out when talking about Australian cricket.. but he needs to shut his gob on occasions. Certainly needs to zip it when on air with Lawry and the two sprouting off about how good Melbourne is. Richie said the best commentators were those who say the least. That is why he was the doyen of modern commentators.

Paddles wrote:I'm already tired of Mark Nicholas. I find him rather sychophantic.

Warne may be a motor mouth, but on his day still offers valuable insight in between reminding us that he used to be fat and likes social media.

Taylor is awful. So is Healy. As for Ian Chappel, I don't need to hear about #3 batsmen or Lillee and Thommo in the 74/75 Ashes one more time before I die.

Punter is excellent. Just EXCELLENT. Flemming is good too when he analyses the bowlers, instead of talking about AFL and 80's heavy metal bands - and I like 80's heavy metal.

I understand Gilly's popularity with Australian audiences having been an immesely popular former player, but I think Punter is clearly the best of those 3.

Who else? Mel Jones. Adds diversity (which seems to be in these days) and displays and conveys a keen cricketing brain and observance of the game outside her work hours to me more than someone like Mel McLaughlin does.

Mel Jones only for women coverage. I kinda like the work of Lisa Stalekhar. More laid back than Jones. Nicholas sychophantic.. dont agree. I simply like his delivery and his wide knowledge of the game thru his captaining and writing of the game. Besides he is already a half Aussie having spent 6 mths a a year here over the past decade. Warnie does provide good insite into the game and his passion comes out when talking about Australian cricket.. but he needs to shut his gob on occasions. Certainly needs to zip it when on air with Lawry and the two sprouting off about how good Melbourne is. Richie said the best commentators were those who say the least. That is why he was the doyen of modern commentators.

Lisa Sthalekar is fine. I prefer Jones, but both are good. Sthalekar is more laid back, but she is less opinionated than Mel. I think there is room in the commentary box for opinions. And I typically like Mel's opinion, even if more daring or against the grain of safety that Lisa's keeps her opinions too. If Lisa became more outspoken about the past and present players, I think she'd be better. Mel will tell a fellow commentator that they're wrong, when they're wrong, and why. I as an audience, like that. Lisa pays too much tribute to the stars of yesteryear for my liking. Analyse the people playing today.

As regards Nicholas, I am tired about hearing how he found that the WI bowlers of the laste 1970's and 1980's in county cricket were fast. I got the memo regards Sylvester Clarke already. And I do not think he is within a country mile of Ricky Ponting for analysis who is like a cricket savant and can just unleash a stream of conciousness of high quality at any time about anything cricket related. I find Nicholas more of a poster boy than a pundit, and I find that his cricket writings often reflect this to be so.

If anyone is to fill the shoes of Benaud for high quality analysis if not surpass him for technical expertise, it will be Ponting, Nicholas doesn't get close in my opinion. Benaud said for his commentators if they could not add to the broadcast, not to fill in the silence with crap commentary. But Punter certainly does add insight to the broadcast.

Agree with you on Warne.

Last edited by Paddles on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:33 am, edited 1 time in total.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote: Mel Jones only for women coverage. I kinda like the work of Lisa Stalekhar. More laid back than Jones. Nicholas sychophantic.. dont agree. I simply like his delivery and his wide knowledge of the game thru his captaining and writing of the game. Besides he is already a half Aussie having spent 6 mths a a year here over the past decade. Warnie does provide good insite into the game and his passion comes out when talking about Australian cricket.. but he needs to shut his gob on occasions. Certainly needs to zip it when on air with Lawry and the two sprouting off about how good Melbourne is. Richie said the best commentators were those who say the least. That is why he was the doyen of modern commentators.

Lisa Sthalekar is fine. I prefer Jones, but both are good. Sthalekar is more laid back, but she is less opinionated than Mel. I think there is room in the commetnary box for opinions. And I typicallylike Mel's opinion.

As regards Nicholas, I am tired about hearing how he found that the WI bowlers of the laste 1970's and 1980's in county cricket were fast. I got the memo regards Sylvester Clarke already. And I do not think he is within a country mile of Ricky Ponting for analysis who is like a cricket savant and can just unleash a stream of conciousness of high quality at any time about anything cricket related. I find Nicholas more of a poster boy than a pundit, and I find that his cricket writings often reflect this to be so.

If anyone is to fill the shoes of Benaud for high quality analysis, it will be Ponting, Nicholas doesn't get close in my opinion.

Reckon there is room for both Punter and Nicholas paddles. Nicho to retain hosting duties at least. If Tom Moody is not given a coaching gig I would like to see him on the comm team. As much as many lambasted James Brayshaw I found him rather witty and not the least annoying. Bring him back for the limited overs stuff. Please leave Mark Waugh where he is. Whatabout brother Steve as a commentator? Hell they wont give Boof Lehmann a gig will they.

Last edited by baggygreenmania on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:36 am, edited 1 time in total.

Paddles wrote:Lisa Sthalekar is fine. I prefer Jones, but both are good. Sthalekar is more laid back, but she is less opinionated than Mel. I think there is room in the commetnary box for opinions. And I typicallylike Mel's opinion.

As regards Nicholas, I am tired about hearing how he found that the WI bowlers of the laste 1970's and 1980's in county cricket were fast. I got the memo regards Sylvester Clarke already. And I do not think he is within a country mile of Ricky Ponting for analysis who is like a cricket savant and can just unleash a stream of conciousness of high quality at any time about anything cricket related. I find Nicholas more of a poster boy than a pundit, and I find that his cricket writings often reflect this to be so.

If anyone is to fill the shoes of Benaud for high quality analysis, it will be Ponting, Nicholas doesn't get close in my opinion.

Reckon there is room for both Punter and Nicko paddles. If Tom Moody is not given a coaching gig I would like to see him on the comm team. As much as many lambasted James Brayshaw I found him rather witty and not the least annoying. Bring him back for the limited overs stuff. Please leave Mark Waugh where he is. Whatabout brother Steve as a commentator? Hell they wont give Boof Lehmann a gig will they.

Moody is an excellent commentator. His insights to cricket during the u19wc were often better than the quality of cricket being played imo. To have him co-commentate with Punter would be outstanding for me. I wouldn't sign Nicholas if I were channel 7 or Fox. I would get Bumble who does ad lib humour commentary the best of anyone alive. Fox already has AB and BJ on their books to be cricket host of commentators HQ. 7 has the opportunity to bring in Gilly and Punter with Warne to do the Ian Chappel type Aussie larrikin bloke role.

I don't think Nicholas is required nor in much demand as yet.

Moody is a curious one. He clearly enjoys his coaching, and with T20 has found a way to fill in his year with a lot of commentary overseas of Australia. He turned down national full time coaching - people thought he wanted the Australian job, but he didn't persue it. I am not sure what he wants to do, but I enjoy his commentary a lot. He is a scholar of the game. More so than Nicholas will ever be in my opinion.

I also don't mind Michael Slater. And if kept outside of commentating with the likes of Tubby, Heals and Warne, find that he does a fairly good job of commentary, even if he lacks the high analysis of Punter and Moody. I actually like how he challenges the players during player interviews.

Last edited by Paddles on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Bumble's accent annoys me to distraction.. vbut you are spot on he is funny on occasions. Please do not entertain Mickey Holding and his excruciating rasta accent. I have trouble understanding his every second word. On the flipside the velvety voiced Ian Bishop would be most welcome in the Aussie comm box. Another who would add some color to the limited overs stuff would be your countryman Danny Morrrison. Funny man. check out his pic with Kholi on Wide World Of Sports site paddles. Reminds me of Greg Ritchie and his Mahatmacote character many years ago.. Classic.

baggygreenmania wrote:Bumble's accent annoys me to distraction.. vbut you are spot on he is funny on occasions. Please do not entertain Mickey Holding and his excruciating rasta accent. I have trouble understanding his every second word. On the flipside the velvety voiced Ian Bishop would be most welcome in the Aussie comm box. Another who would add some color to the limited overs stuff would be your countryman Danny Morrrison. Funny man. check out his pic with Kholi on Wide World Of Sports site paddles. Reminds me on Greg Ritchie and Mahatmacote several years ago.. Classic.

Ian Bishop is outstanding as a commentator. Again, he analyes the players of today and the game that is being played on the field. He is an intelligent man, and has a keen cricketing intellect.

I wouldn't persue Michael Holding. I am no longer a fan of his of late. I don't think he is as good at commentary as he used to be.

Danny Morrison is in my opinion an awful cricket commentator. But he is having a successful career at his role playing "funny man". Of poor commentators which NZ provides many to the world, Simon Doull regularly gets his basic facts wrong. In one IPL game he was doing the live commentary on, he wasn't even seemingly aware that 3/5 SRH bowlers were not Indian but maybe he thought Shakib Al Hasan and Rashid Khan sounded Indian enough.

Last edited by Paddles on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:53 am, edited 1 time in total.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

I don't think Nicholas is required nor in much demand as yet. They are going to need a host with some personality. Not sure Slater is the man. So who will fill that role? Nicko did a better than acceptable job for Nine after Richie left. But please someone tell him to not move backwards and forwards while interviewing someone on the field. Makes me dizzy.. Danny is a funny man.. brings vitality to the game..( same as Brayshaw) and just what T20 needs with all its funkiness. First heard Danny behind the mic in the 2012 U19 WC.. liked him ever since. Any other names?

Last edited by baggygreenmania on Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:57 am, edited 1 time in total.

baggygreenmania wrote:I don't think Nicholas is required nor in much demand as yet. They are going to have a host with some personality. Not sure Slater is sthe man. So who will fill that role. Nicko did a better than acceptable job for Nine after Richie left. But please someone tell him to not move backwards and forwards while interviewing someone on the field. Makes me dizzy..

I don't find Nicholas has that much personality. Gilly has personality and 7 will get him with Punter and Warne. BJ has personality, and Fox has him with AB and Stuart Clark (Clark is a great analyst too, very smart guy).

I just do not see the need for Nicholas. Who never really filled the hole left by Benaud and Greig at nine anyway.

Why does there have to be one host? That was the Nine way of doing things. It isn't the only way. And Richie has long since passed away not leaving a suitable heir to the throne of his style.

I'm more than happy to watch a host panel if it provides more analysis and fun banter than one person is able to provide.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote:I don't think Nicholas is required nor in much demand as yet. They are going to have a host with some personality. Not sure Slater is sthe man. So who will fill that role. Nicko did a better than acceptable job for Nine after Richie left. But please someone tell him to not move backwards and forwards while interviewing someone on the field. Makes me dizzy..

I don't find Nicholas has that much personality. Gilly has personality and 7 will get him with Punter and Warne. BJ has personality, and Fox has him with AB and Stuart Clark (Clark is a great analyst too, very smart guy).

I just do not see the need for Nicholas. Who never really filled the hole left by Benaud and Greig at nine anyway.

Ok so you hate Nicholas. Gilly as 7 host then. Clark can be over opinionated but he also gets my vote. BJ will retain hosting duties for Foxtel. Another with a wide knowlege of the game is recently retired Ed Cowan.. an outsider? - Ed does not mind ruffling the feathers of officialdom.

Paddles wrote:I don't find Nicholas has that much personality. Gilly has personality and 7 will get him with Punter and Warne. BJ has personality, and Fox has him with AB and Stuart Clark (Clark is a great analyst too, very smart guy).

I just do not see the need for Nicholas. Who never really filled the hole left by Benaud and Greig at nine anyway.

Ok so you hate Nicholas. Gilly as 7 host then. Clark can be over opinionated but he also gets my vote. BJ will retain hosting duties for Foxtel.

I'd personally rather a commentator sway to being over opinionated like you say Clark does, as long as they keep it reasonable which as an intelligent person I find that Clark does.

I don't like opinionated stupidity or unreasonable bias. But wouldn't accuse Clark of this based on what I have heard him opine.

The question for him and BJ both now that Fox is in the big time, do they have the cricket careers to support their place in the highest echelon of commentary gigs? Or does it even matter?

I don't hate Nicholas, but I do not enjoy him. He has my eyes rolling far too often.

But Clark, Punter and Moody, those 3 are like analytical commentary at a higher level. And I relish that. Bishop is very good too, and can do what they do too. But I am not sure Australia would look to signing him up, but I'd be happy if they did.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Ed Cowan, ha. He likes to stir a bit of trouble. I'd have to hear more of him in action.

I've read some of his pieces, but haven't formed an opinion on him as yet.

I do like Kerry O'Keefe a lot. He isn't scared to present an unpopular opinion, he's got a good wit, tones of funny annecdotes, and knows his cricket inside and out. But he may be happier on the radio.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Paddles wrote:Ed Cowan, ha. He likes to stir a bit of trouble. I'd have to hear more of him in action.

I've read some of his pieces, but haven't formed an opinion on him as yet.

I do like Kerry O'Keefe a lot. He isn't scared to present an unpopular opinion, he's got a good wit, tones of funny annecdotes, and knows his cricket inside and out. But he may be happier on the radio.

I am ok with Skull until he presents us with his raucous laugh. He also has a decidely irritating habit of laughing at his own jokes. Stick to radio please.

I'm more than happy to watch a host panel if it provides more analysis and fun banter than one person is able to provide.So am I. Ricky, Gilly. Who else BJ? BJ has the runs on the board as host of Inside Cricket. Does a decent job on that. AB should settle on commentary alone. He comes across to me as uncomfortable in front of a camera.

Paddles wrote:Ed Cowan, ha. He likes to stir a bit of trouble. I'd have to hear more of him in action.

I've read some of his pieces, but haven't formed an opinion on him as yet.

I do like Kerry O'Keefe a lot. He isn't scared to present an unpopular opinion, he's got a good wit, tones of funny annecdotes, and knows his cricket inside and out. But he may be happier on the radio.

I am ok with Skull until he presents us with his raucous laugh. He also has a decidely irritating habit of laughing at his own jokes. Stick to radio please.

He does laugh heartily at his own jokes.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote:I'm more than happy to watch a host panel if it provides more analysis and fun banter than one person is able to provide.So am I. Ricky, Gilly. Who else BJ? BJ has the runs on the board as host of Inside Cricket. Does a decent job on that. AB should settle on commentary alone. He comes across to me as uncomfortable in front of a camera.

I get what you're saying about AB, but I question the cause. Is AB just too relaxed in front of the camera and not all that fussed? He looks at times he could go to sleep on Inside Cricket when he isn't part of the conversation. But I find him quite gregarious out on the pitch with NZ commentators when Aus tours here. The crowd or the ground stirs him up more than the studio miles aways away from the pitch and well after the game perhaps.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote:Gotta say this Test cricket down time is hard to take. Thank goodness for forums such as CF where we can talk about our fave sport.

I gotta say that it isn't just test cricket, it is the entire absence of international cricket at this time. I follow international 50 over cricket with as much enthusiasm as tests. I even follow the T20i games between strong nations.

I get the need for the IPL window ending internationals in April and May, but I am dearly waiting for the start of the English international summer.

I do hope one day that the IPL expands the player quota to more than 4. But that's not necessarily a view shared by the 1.5bn IPL fans worldwide.

Last edited by Paddles on Mon Apr 23, 2018 3:21 am, edited 1 time in total.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Paddles wrote:I gotta say that it isn't just test cricket, it is the entire absence of international cricket at this time. I follow international 50 over cricket with as much enthusiasm as tests.

I get the need for the IPL window ending internationals in April and May, but I am dearly waiting for the start of the English international summer.

Do you get coverage of Pom county cricket in NZ?

We get what SKY UK broadcasts which is limited to some NatWest Blast games and the finals of it.

I find that difficult to watch or keenly follow as 18 counties seriously diminishes the calibre of cricketers on the field. That said, Yorkshire a few years ago was a star studded team though. But not so this year.

So I end up merely following the exploits of Kiwi and international stars in county cricket, more so than the tournaments themselves.

We don't get Safrican or WI broadcasts in NZ bar the CPL. But I still follow their international seasons. We get SL when India or NZ tours there, but noone else. We don't get Bangladesh broadcasts unless NZ tours there. I follow Bangladesh and Sri Lankan international seasons like I do Pakistans.

So put simply, in NZ we get Aus internationals at home and BBL, Eng internationals and some Blast, NZ internationals and some domestic t20 (and 1 50 over final), CPL, All Indian internationals and IPL. All NZ international tours.

I'll follow international cricket down to about Zimbabwe and Ireland with Afghanistan far ahead of these 2, although Ireland is seriously testing my interest limits. I could have watched the CWC qualifiers, but I wasn't that interested in the games outside of Zim vs WI vs AFG.

Last edited by Paddles on Mon Apr 23, 2018 3:34 am, edited 3 times in total.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

I do hope one day that the IPL expands the player quota to more than 4. But that's not necessarily a view shared by the 1.5bn IPL fans worldwide.Gotta admit I have not been all that enthused by the IPL. Watch it only to follow the Aussies. BBL is far more to my liking. On the whole T20 is pure entertainment as opposed to the earthiness of Test cricket. T20 is three hrs of see it/hit it. Not a great deal of strategy involved. But plenty of fun. Limited overs, specially T20 has improved the bowler in my humble view. He has had to survive by changing his game.

baggygreenmania wrote:I do hope one day that the IPL expands the player quota to more than 4. But that's not necessarily a view shared by the 1.5bn IPL fans worldwide.Gotta admit I have not been all that enthused by the IPL. Watch it only to follow the Aussies. BBL is far more to my liking. On the whole T20 is pure entertainment as opposed to the earthiness of Test cricket. T20 is three hrs of see it/hit it. Not a great deal of strategy involved. But plenty of fun. Limited overs, specially T20 has improved the bowler in my humble view. He has had to survive by changing his game.

I used to like BBL more than IPL.

I now like IPL more than BBL.

At the end of the day, 4 internationals kept my interest more than 2 internationals.

But I will credit the BBL for nurturing my keener interest in t20 as a format. Bar Perth, it is in a perfect time zone for NZ to watch live. But iirc Perth were often given day games.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"